Who This Comparison Is For
Both Helcim and GoPayhawk use interchange-plus pricing, which means the comparison between them is more nuanced than GoPayhawk vs. Square, since we are both in the same pricing category.
If you are researching Helcim and trying to understand how it compares to a traditional ISO like GoPayhawk, this page covers rate comparison at a common volume, model availability, and support. The differences that matter most are your actual margin, dedicated support, and which programs you need.
How Helcim's Pricing Actually Works
Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing with automatic volume discounts, based on the average of your last three months. As of November 2, 2026, its pricing page lists these margins on top of interchange:
- In-person ($0 to $50K/month): Interchange + 0.40% + 8¢
- In-person ($50K to $100K/month): Interchange + 0.35% + 7¢
- In-person ($100K to $500K/month): Interchange + 0.25% + 7¢
- In-person ($500K to $1M/month): Interchange + 0.20% + 6¢
- In-person ($1M to $5M/month): Interchange + 0.15% + 6¢
- Keyed and online ($0 to $50K/month): Interchange + 0.50% + 25¢
- Keyed and online ($50K to $100K/month): Interchange + 0.45% + 20¢
- Keyed and online ($100K to $500K/month): Interchange + 0.35% + 20¢
- Keyed and online ($500K to $1M/month): Interchange + 0.25% + 15¢
- Keyed and online ($1M to $5M/month): Interchange + 0.15% + 15¢
Helcim's pricing page lists no monthly fees, minimums, software fees, or statement fees. It lists a card reader at $199 and a Smart Terminal at $349 or $32/month for one year. Helcim started in Calgary and serves businesses in Canada and the US.
Effective Rate Comparison at $30,000/Month
Using the same assumptions as other GoPayhawk comparisons: $30,000 monthly volume, $75 average ticket (approximately 400 transactions), 70% credit / 30% debit, blended interchange of approximately 1.34%. GoPayhawk figures are an example, not a quoted rate: they assume a 0.25% margin plus $0.10 per transaction. Your actual margin varies and is quoted individually.
| Cost Component | Helcim (in-person, $0 to $50K/mo) | GoPayhawk (IC+, example) |
|---|---|---|
| Interchange (blended ~1.34%) | $402 | $402 |
| Processor markup on $30,000 | $120 (0.40%) | $75 (0.25%) |
| Per-transaction fee (400 txns) | $32 (8¢) | $40 ($0.10) |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 |
| Estimated monthly total | ~$554 | ~$517 |
| Difference | ~$37/month more than the GoPayhawk example | Example, not a quote |
Key takeaway: At $30,000/month the two land about $37 apart in this example, and the GoPayhawk side uses an example margin, not a quote. Helcim's automatic volume discounts change that at higher volumes: from $50K to $100K/month its in-person margin drops to 0.35% + 7¢. The comparison comes down to your actual margin, the programs you need, and support structure.
Account Type and Stability
Helcim's site describes one merchant account for in-person and online payments, and its docs cover an underwriting process. Ask Helcim how your account is set up. GoPayhawk provides dedicated merchant accounts underwritten to your business.
GoPayhawk is an Elavon Payments MSP & Registered MSP/ISO of Elavon, Inc. Georgia, [a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis, MN].
Contract Terms
| Term | Helcim | GoPayhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Contract length | No contracts | Month-to-month on processing |
| Cancellation fee | None | None on processing |
| Early termination fee | None | None on processing |
| Rate change notice | Check current pricing | 30 days |
| Hardware requirement | No leases listed; purchase, or Smart Terminal at $32/month for a year | Purchase, lease, or free placement |
Helcim's pricing page lists no contracts, leases, termination fees, or cancellation fees. GoPayhawk processing is month-to-month with no cancellation fee on processing, and GoPayhawk equipment leases, if chosen, have their own terms shown before you sign.
Support Comparison
Helcim's contact page lists in-house phone support Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm MT, and Saturdays, 9am to 5pm MT.
GoPayhawk provides a dedicated account representative for each merchant: the same person you reach each time, who has visibility into your account history and can escalate issues within the Elavon/U.S. Bank chain. For merchants who want hands-on onboarding, a direct line to someone who knows their account, and local market context, GoPayhawk's support model is built around that rep.
| Support Type | Helcim | GoPayhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Phone support | Yes (Mon to Fri, 7am to 5pm MT; Sat, 9am to 5pm MT) | Yes (dedicated rep) |
| Dedicated account rep | Varies | Yes |
| Self-service documentation | Yes | Available |
| Hands-on onboarding | Varies | Yes |
| Team location | Varies | US (Roswell, GA) |
Pricing Model Availability
| Model | Helcim | GoPayhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Interchange Plus | Yes (core model) | Yes |
| Flat Rate | Check current pricing | Yes |
| Surcharging | Yes (Fee Saver) | Yes |
| Cash Discounting | Check current pricing | Yes |
| Dual Pricing | Check current pricing | Yes |
Both processors lead with interchange-plus. Helcim's Fee Saver passes the processing fee, 3% in most cases, to customers who pay by credit card. GoPayhawk offers cash discounting, surcharging, and dual pricing. If one of those programs matters to you, check Helcim's current pricing and compare it with what GoPayhawk quotes.
Side-by-Side by Business Type
| Business Type | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Retail ($30K+/month) | GoPayhawk | Cash discounting option, in-person hardware, dedicated rep |
| E-commerce | Similar | Both offer IC+; compare keyed and online margins |
| B2B / high ticket | GoPayhawk | Enhanced data (CEDP for Visa, Level 2/3 for Mastercard), ACH support, invoicing tools |
| Self-service / tech-savvy merchant | Helcim | Helcim says its online signup takes as little as 5 minutes |
| Business wanting surcharging, cash discounting, and dual pricing | GoPayhawk | Cash discounting, surcharging, and dual pricing all available |
| Canadian business | Helcim | Helcim processes in CAD; GoPayhawk is US-only |
The Honest Verdict
Helcim is better if...
- You want to sign up online, which Helcim says takes as little as 5 minutes
- You process in Canada or need CAD support
- You want rates to decrease automatically without negotiation
- You want a credit card surcharge through Helcim Fee Saver
- You are comfortable managing your account independently
GoPayhawk is better if...
- You want cash discounting, surcharging, or dual pricing
- You need a dedicated account rep who knows your business
- You want the GoPayhawk terminal and POS lineup
- You process B2B transactions and want enhanced data (CEDP for Visa, Level 2/3 for Mastercard) support
- You want a regional US processor with local market knowledge
- You need hands-on onboarding assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing, the same model GoPayhawk uses. The comparison between them is about markup rates, available programs, and support structure — not flat rate vs. interchange-plus.
As of November 2, 2026, Helcim's pricing page lists in-person margins starting at interchange + 0.40% + 8¢ under $50K/month, and keyed or online margins starting at interchange + 0.50% + 25¢. Margins decrease automatically as volume grows. Check current pricing at helcim.com before making a final comparison.
On surcharging, yes: Helcim Fee Saver passes the processing fee to customers who pay by credit card. For cash discounting and dual pricing, check current pricing at helcim.com. GoPayhawk offers cash discounting, surcharging, and dual pricing.
Helcim's site describes one merchant account for in-person and online payments. Ask Helcim how your account is set up and underwritten. GoPayhawk provides dedicated merchant accounts underwritten to your business.
No. Helcim's pricing page lists no monthly fees, minimums, software fees, or statement fees, and its FAQ says you only pay when you process a transaction. Hardware and optional add-ons, such as a mobile data plan, cost extra.
Helcim started in Calgary, Canada, and serves businesses in Canada and the US. GoPayhawk is based in Roswell, Georgia, and focuses exclusively on US merchants.
Both offer IC+ pricing, and Helcim's in-person margin drops to 0.35% + 7¢ from $50K to $100K/month. The decision comes down to your actual margin, whether you need cash discounting and dual pricing or a dedicated account rep (GoPayhawk), or prefer automatic volume discounts (Helcim). A free GoPayhawk statement analysis gives you the exact rate comparison at your volume.
GoPayhawk approval typically takes 24 to 48 hours. Keep your Helcim account active during the GoPayhawk setup. Once your GoPayhawk terminal or gateway is live, you route transactions through it and close your Helcim account. GoPayhawk handles setup and onboarding with your dedicated rep.
